Real Name: Erica Abi Wright

Aliases: Ms. Badu, Badulla Oblongata, Sara Bellum

BORN:

Feb 26, 1971

AGE:

53

NET WORTH:

$10 million

HEIGHT:

5'4

BIO

Erykah Badu is one of the most acclaimed singer/songwriters to emerge in the last 25 years. After performing in shows at the local Dallas Theater Center, Badu's demo caught the attention of music producer Kedar Massenburg in 1996. He signed her to Motown Records and paired her with D'Angelo to record the song "Your Precious Love." Badu's debut album, Baduizm, was released in 1997 with soulful hits such as "On & On," "Next Lifetime" and "Otherside of Game." The album marked a shift in the music of its time and helped begin what was labeled a "neo-soul" movement. Badu followed up with critically acclaimed albums including Mama's Gun, Worldwide Underground and her New Amerykah series.

PROPS

She’s a practicing doula
Her classic song “Tyrone” was completely improvised
She traced her lineage to the Cameroon people
She’s been a vegan since 2006
She’s considered one of the leading figures of the “neo-soul” movement

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Top Erykah Badu Questions

How many children does Erykah Badu have?

Erykah Badu has three kids: Seven Sirius Benjamin (born to André 3000 in 1997); Puma Sabti Curry (born to The D.O.C. in 2004); and Mars Merkaba Thedford (born to Jay Electronica in 2009).

What collective was Erykah Badu a part of?

Erykah Badu was a core member of the Soulquarians along with Questlove, J Dilla, D'Angelo, James Poyser, Common and others.

Can Erykah Badu really DJ?

Of course! She DJ’s all around and she showcased her skills on the R&B cypher at the 2018 Soul Train Music Awards.

How many Grammys has Erykah Badu won?

Erykah Badu has won a total of 4 Grammys, including Best R&B Song in 2003 ("Love of My Life") and Best R&B Album in 1998 (Baduizm).

What college did Erykah Badu attend?

Erykah Badu studied quantum physics at Grambling University. She left to pursue her music career.

Who are Erykah Badu's influences?

Erykah Badu has cited Miles Davis, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye as influences.

Erykah Badu

Real name: Erica Abi Wright

Aliases: Ms. Badu, Badulla Oblongata, Sara Bellum

Erykah Badu, D.O.C. & Daughter Puma Respond To Ass Pics Backlash

Erykah Badu, The D.O.C. & Daughter Puma Respond To Viral Ass Pics Backlash

News | Jan 24, 2023, 6:22 PM PST

Drake Responds To 'Spirit Animal' Erykah Badu's Lofty Praise Following Harlem Shows

Drake Responds To 'Spirit Animal' Erykah Badu's Lofty Praise Following Harlem Shows

News | Jan 24, 2023, 4:27 AM PST

Erykah Badu Shares Sade ‘She Stronger’ Remix For Singer’s Birthday

Erykah Badu Shares Sade ‘She Stronger’ Remix On Singer’s Birthday

News | Jan 17, 2023, 4:24 PM PST

Chance The Rapper Taps Erykah Badu, T-Pain & More For Black Star Line Festival In Ghana

Chance The Rapper Taps Erykah Badu, T-Pain & More For Black Star Line Festival In Ghana

News | Nov 18, 2022, 10:35 AM PST

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The Roots Debut New Song With Erykah Badu & Tierra Whack

The Roots Debut New Song With Erykah Badu & Tierra Whack From 'End Game' Album

News | Oct 28, 2022, 4:46 AM PDT

Kanye West Hits Up London With Skepta, Erykah Badu & Ex Irina Shayk

News | Sep 27, 2022, 3:49 PM PDT

Megan Thee Stallion Dumbfounded As Erykah Badu Twerks Onstage During Her Concert

Megan Thee Stallion Dumbfounded As Erykah Badu Twerks Onstage During Her Concert

News | Jul 16, 2022, 4:00 AM PDT

Erykah Badu Finishes Singing ‘Window Seat’ While Fans Fight In The Stands

Erykah Badu Finishes Singing ‘Window Seat’ While Fans Fight In The Stands

News | Jul 8, 2022, 1:45 PM PDT

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The D.O.C. Explains How His Relationship With Erykah Badu Was A Turning Point In His Life: 'I Owe Her Everything'

The D.O.C. Explains How His Relationship With Erykah Badu Was A Turning Point In His Life: 'I Owe Her Everything'

News | Jun 13, 2022, 2:06 PM PDT

The D.O.C. Was Pulled Over By Beverly Hills Police Before Near-Fatal Car Crash - But They Let Him Go

The D.O.C. Was Pulled Over By Beverly Hills Police Before Near-Fatal Car Crash - But They Let Him Go

News | Apr 27, 2022, 3:49 PM PDT